• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Favorite short scale bass

BigN8bass

BigN8bass

Oct 6, 2015
339
745
49
Ohio
#1
I'm looking to add a short scale bass to the arsenal and would like your input. For those of you who have tried different short scale basses what is your favorite?
Unfortunately there are none around to check out before purchase.
I'm currently looking/reading/listening to demos about...

Nordstand Acinonyx
Fender JMJ Mustang
Reverend Wattplower

Or something different?

Thanks
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bassist Jay
#2
Hello. My name is Bronco. Badtz Maru Bronco.
bass hello kitty block.jpg bass hello kitty basement.jpg
I strung mine with GHS Precision Flats, and it provices a wonderful olde-skoole thump.

Broncos are fun to play! There's also a whole slew of aftermarket parts avail for your modding/upgrading pleasure.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Kubicki Fan, ellipsis, DirkP and 4 others
#8
Mine in no particular order:

Fender or Squier Mustang versions. Mine is a PJ.

Hofner Ignition Club bass (a favorite).

Squier SS Jaguar (I like the neck profile).

Silvertone Model 1444 by Danelectro (my favorite classic)

Heavily modified Squier Bronco (my current #1)
 
  • Like
Reactions: mikewalker
#11
HotelX said:
My most played shorty is the Lakland HB30. I use it regularly in my reggae band.

If I had unlimited funds I would love to get a Serek. Hopefully one day.

I tried the Wattplower and thought it was fantastic BUT the way it hangs on a strap makes it feel like a long scale.
Click to expand...

Completely agree about the Wattplower. Reverend’s newer Sentinel shortie has its upper strap button around the 12th fret, which cures the reach issue. If I go with a shortscale, it will probably be either the Sentinel or a G&L Fallout.

Also, I really like the Lakland HB30. Very cool bass, and it must be great for a reggae band.
 
  • Like
Reactions: jeff7bass
#14
Reverend basses are great. I've had both Wattplower and Sentinal. The sentinal has a little more tone options and wider string spacing. The Wattplower weighs less. Both are excellent quality instruments. I've also had a mustang and a Cort Jr. I prefer the Reverends.
 
  • Like
Reactions: TK4261
#15
Best Value-For-Money: Mitchell Short Scale. GC store brand. Made by Schecter. I bought one to take to Mexico as my travel bass with my party band on our annual trip. Gigs very well, indeed. $150, sometimes you can find it on sale for $100, as I did. Easy to upgrade if you want to put the extra $$$ into it. Balanced. Good fret work.

Whatever short scale the OP purchases: put GHS Balanced Pure Nickel strings on it. Big, round, tone. Consistent in tone and feel string-to-string and up the neck. Doesn't flop or twang or go thud. Reasonably priced. I put my set on last fall for rehearsals, then gigged the trip in February. I still haven't had to change strings.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Hot Rats, leftybass54, rutabaga bob and 1 other person
#17
I have two short scales. One is the Lakland HB30 and the Schecter Banshee which is turning out to be a very good one too. Hard to find a new Lakland HB30. I saw an ad recently that had an ETA of March 2022. The Banshee looks to be more available for now. Also have the Nordstrand Acinonyx Cat on the way. After I get the Cat I'm not sure if I'll keep all three.
 
#18
klaatu said:
I have two short scales. One is the Lakland HB30 and the Schecter Banshee which is turning out to be a very good one too. Hard to find a new Lakland HB30. I saw an ad recently that had an ETA of March 2022. The Banshee looks to be more available for now. Also have the Nordstrand Acinonyx Cat on the way. After I get the Cat I'm not sure if I'll keep all three.
Click to expand...

Lots of HB30s on Reverb
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back